The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 8:22:
Kupsabiny: “So, therefore, from that time onwards, the people of Edom refused to be ruled from the country of Judah. Also the people of Libnah refused to be ruled from that country.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “So even to this day Edom has been rebelling against Judah. At that same time Libnah also rebelled.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Until now Edom still in-rebellion-against Juda. At that same-time also, Libna also rebelled.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “So after that, Edom was no longer controlled by Judah, and it is still like that. During that same time, the people of Libnah city also freed themselves from being controlled by Judah.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day: At first glance, this sentence seems to be a repetition of what was said of Edom in verse 20 (see the comments there). But what is implied in this case is continuing action, especially in view of the addition of the words to this day. Contemporary English Version rewords the same idea negatively by saying “Judah was never able to regain control of Edom.” It is also possible to understand this verse as referring to events later than verses 20-21. Compare “Yet Edom succeeded later in breaking away from the power of Judah, as is still the case” (Bijbel in Gewone Taal).
The connector So at the beginning of this sentence renders the common Hebrew conjunction. It functions here to introduce a summary statement of the consequences of Edom’s revolt. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh begins with “Thus.”
To this day means up to the time when the books of 1–2 Kings were written. For this frequently used expression, see the comments at 1 Kgs 8.8 and 2 Kgs 2.22.
Then Libnah revolted at the same time: This sentence adds the information that Libnah also rebelled. Libnah refers to a city whose location can no longer be identified with certainty, but it is most likely the Israelite city that was located in the western hill country of Judah about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Jerusalem. According to Josh 21.13, this city was given to the Levites. It is mentioned also in Num 33.20-21 and Josh 10.29-39. Some translations make it explicit that Libnah was a city (Good News Translation, Parole de Vie).
At the same time is literally “in that time.” Most translations understand the Hebrew here as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, that is, that the revolt of Libnah happened around the same time as the revolt of Edom. La Bible Pléiade and Osty-Trinquet, however, understand these words as the beginning of a new account, the rest of which is missing, so they translate the whole sentence as “While Libnah was revolting, in that time….” Since few translations follow this interpretation, it is not recommended.
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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